The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

208 Acorn Ln Unit B, Tellalian Robert S Est and Elizabeth T. Gonzalez to Kenneth A. Burton, $192,000.

250 Andrew St, Christal Juba to Joseph Defeo and Jacalyn F. Beagon, $248,000.

20 Connors Ln, Connors Castle LLC to Lynn A. Martin, $255,000.

125 Cutspring Rd, Winthrop Woods Dev LLC to Conway R. and Jolanta Gnoza, $425,400.

1460 Elm St Unit 324, Robert J. and Maria Woehrle to Timothy J. and Nancy L. Beach, $115,000.

295 Hollywood Ave, Michael R. and Debra A. Freund to Dimitria Tzirikids and Nicholas Aquino, $266,000.

362 Laughlin Rd W, Amanda L. Staak to James J. Beagon, $33,200.

285 Marina Dr, Robert E. Sutorius to Phong T. Nguyen, $165,000.

2050 Nichols Ave, Lana D. Webb to Micoul Antoine and Gabrielle Jean-Marie, $207,000.

291 Old Spring Rd, Arthur T. and Joanne C. Kunze to Eugene A. Mangino, $280,000.

87 Orange St, Alan Ayala to Gregory R. and Liane Rose, $165,000.

70 Quail St, Lindsey E. Meszaros to Daryl Staley and Lindsay Morrell, $243,000.

805 Success Ave, Onuska Robert J Est and Richard Onuska to Heriberto Colon, $90,000.

312 Weber St, Weber Builders LLC to Natasha A. Charles, $179,900.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

126 Barnum Ter, Bankof New York Tr to 43 Park Street Assoc LLC, $126,900.

40 Beardsley Ave, Helen C. Koslowski to Joseph M. Bucki, $87,275.

40 Boswell St, Fordham Calvin L Est and Deborah A. Blair to Kenneth R. and Jussel Heintzelman, $143,000.

164 Elliott St, Robert Caserta to Maurice A. Scioletti, $220,000.

22 Enrica Rita Way Unit 22, Bank Of New York Tr to Michael A. Memoli, $180,000.

1168 Main St Unit A8, Joseph Barrett to Vanstone LT and Paul E. Vanstone, $60,800.

4709 Main St, Theresa Newbauer to Olivia E. Chan, $528,000.

415 Ocean Ave, Frederick A. and Susanne S. Parsons to Maxx&Luke LLC, $1,200,000.

57 Peard Ter, Jonathan Fay to William J. and Janine M. Walsh, $240,000.

226 South Trl Unit B, Robert A. Caserta to John Wojnarowski, $163,000.

175 Twin Oaks Ter, Tricia J. Kingston to Robert and Kristin Jaekle, $315,000.

28 Yarwood St, William J. and Janine M. Walsh to Jeanine Mccollough, $145,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

22 Enrica Rita Way Unit 22, Bank Of New York Tr to Michael A. Memoli, $180,000.

1168 Main St Unit A8, Joseph Barrett to Vanstone LT and Paul E. Vanstone, $60,800.

4709 Main St, Theresa Newbauer to Olivia E. Chan, $528,000.

415 Ocean Ave, Frederick A. and Susanne S. Parsons to Maxx&Luke LLC, $1,200,000.

57 Peard Ter, Jonathan Fay to William J. and Janine M. Walsh, $240,000.

226 South Trl Unit B, Robert A. Caserta to John Wojnarowski, $163,000.

175 Twin Oaks Ter, Tricia J. Kingston to Robert and Kristin Jaekle, $315,000.

28 Yarwood St, William J. and Janine M. Walsh to Jeanine Mccollough, $145,000.

121 Beacon St, Shafeeq Ahmed to Aziza Ezzaki, $297,500.

2713 Broadbridge Ave, Roy Arlene Est and Julie Donofrio to Elizabeth Ruiz, $21,500.

110 Claudia Dr, Swiatlon Anna F Est and Thomas A. Swiatlon to Wilfredo Torres, $152,125.

60 Engine House Rd Unit A, Carole Pearlman to Susan Haley-Mack, $170,000.

129 Evelyn St, FNMA to Kimberly Luciano, $71,500.

74 Fairview Ave, FNMA to David Lareau, $235,100.

55 Fisher Ct, Elizabeth M. Ruiz to Kathleen L. Barnes, $27,000.

117 Freeman Ave, Dean R. and Lisa M. Florentino to Frank and Janine Passafiume, $211,500.

397 Garibaldi Ave, Webster Bank NA to Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss and Hipolito Castro, $100,000.

72 Greenfield Ave, Nancy W. Bosse to Raul Ruiz and Prissilla Gutierrez, $184,000.

550 James Farm Rd, Thomas Dugas to Adele E. Hodges, $388,500.

286 Laurel St, Jane E. Przygoda to Juan R. Colon and Colleen Morrissey-Colon, $210,000.

80 Longview Dr, David and Cheryl Johnson to Gabor Elcsics and Donna Gonzalez-Elcsics, $437,000.

34 Mount Pleasant Ave, Alan Colabella to Anthony D. Thomas, $211,000.

516 Opa Ln Unit B, Rose Torlish to Linda A. Berlin, $155,000.

299 South Trl Unit A, Smindak George Est and Katherine H. Smindak to Richard J. and Joan M. Shea, $155,000.

152 Thompson St, Bank Of New York Mellon to John Vazzano and Matthew Reale, $103,000.

93 Ward St, Charles Walsh to Simeon and Christine Alesevich, $125,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

170 Arrowhead Pl, Kosturak Ann Est and Sharon A. Romano to Tuan Nguyen and Lam H. Doan, $210,000.

7 Hawley Gln Unit 7, Lauren P. Hoenig to Maribeth Shamas, $177,500.

113 Minor Ave, Lee H. and Susannah Gobbi to Theodore J. and Janet K. Dombroski, $365,000.

20 N Pasture Ln, Scott M. and Kathleen S. Brooks to David C. and Kinley Pink, $514,000.

75 River Bend Rd Unit C, Nathan Balogh and Leslie M. Buckens to Martha C. and Carl E. Vassar, $213,000.

190 Teakwood Dr, Roberta J. Tabaka to Ryan J. and Margaret E. Loris, $232,805.

53 Temple St, Corriveau Donna N Est and Louanne Canfield to Altagracia Vernon, $120,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

53 Temple St, Corriveau Donna N Est and Louanne Canfield to Altagracia Vernon, $120,000.

204 Acorn Ln Unit B, Herbert Edelstein FT and Marion Edelstein to Alfred E. Mally, $250,000.

890 Cutspring Rd, Fennell Nancy A Est and Kalcar Corp to Kalcar Corp, $150,500.

383 Henry Ave, Halcy M. Rodney and Anthony Hylton to Trinidad Garcia and Maribel Hernandes, $270,000.

185 High Park Ave, William K. Elwood to James D. and Kristina Lyn C. Daeira, $95,000.

34 Highland Ter, Daniel Zinkewich to Steven and Sharon Allison, $168,000.

478 Iroquois Ln Unit B, Edward T. and Arlene C. Walsh to Murray and Shirley Deutsch, $230,000.

231 Jefferson St, John and Joanne Mcinerney to Dmitry Trudov, $299,000.

394 Laughlin Rd W, Susan Pildner to Brian M. Mcnamara and Sheila A. Lasella, $251,900.

115 Lighthouse Ave, Winthrop Woods Developers to Diamantino and Maria I. Pinho, $469,900.

404 Montauk Ln Unit B, JP Morgan Chase Bank NA to Anna Hickey, $129,000.

80 Morning Glory Ter, Diane G. Walter to Anthony and Halcy M. Hylton, $381,000.

1280 North Ave, Carla Misurale to Haydee Calcagno, $200,000.

Oronoque Village Condo Unit 549b, John M. and Joshua D. Kristy to Michael Cavaliere, $189,000.

564 Pequot Ln Unit B, Jean E. Petrino to Robert J. Ferrara, $280,000.

125 Placid Ave, Dean F. and Mary B. Muccio to Karissa Mraz and Steven Reynolds, $261,000.

189 Plymouth St, Anthony J. Martin and Rececca A. Miklus to Charles A. and Elizabeth B. Weaver, $275,000.

34 Rowland St, Jordan M. Finley to Joseph J. Quisgard, $159,837.

130 Soundview Ave, Deutsche Bank Natl T Co to Hatiqe Egriu, $83,549.

121 Spruce St, Joanne G. Jennings to Christopher B. and Kathleen D. Day, $515,000.

139 Sunnybank Ave, Susan E. Connors to Meagan Bolton, $183,000.

125 Walnut St, Shirley Larusso to Mary L. Dan, $373,800.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

545 Barnum Terrace Ext, Stephen T. and Elizabeth A. Plusch to George A. and Jackie P. Easley, $251,500.

56 Harbour View Pl Unit 56, Leonora Mullane to Lauren Crawford, $315,000.

478 Iroquois Ln Unit B, Linne Ursaki to Peter S. and Edith C. Feick, $333,000.

100 Karen Ave, Takacs Flora O Est and Leo P. Carroll to Rodney W. and Tarice Gray, $200,000.

135 Laurel St, Paul and Julie Schneider to Beachwood Properties LLC, $195,000.

54 Lynncrest Dr, James and Anna M. Coppola to Julio and Melinda Maldonado, $273,000.

367 Mount Pleasant Ave, Jack C. and Carol Bruno to Abdelmajid and Sharon B. Adnane, $265,000.

116 Nichols Ter, John Paul Development LLC to Lauren Corsano, $219,900.

297 Raven Ter, Joseph V. Reisinger and Kimberly A. Stewart to Robert Memoli, $224,000.

365 Roosevelt Ave, Danielle V. Baleeiro to John Varca, $220,000.

54 Wedgewood Rd Unit C, Leasha A. Batta to Casey Williams, $210,000.

740 Wilcoxson Ave, Arianne H. Haley-Banez to Glenys Salas and Arturo Rofrano, $230,000.

130 Wyoming St, USA VA to Rafael M. Cruz, $168,500.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

110 Abram St, Leslie E. Noble to Shawn M. and Jillian Poling, $270,000.

114 Beers Pl, Angela Gentile-Champagne to Siddique and Nisar Nomani, $185,000.

38 Cambridge St, Cella Rose J Est and Arthur M. Fressola to Guillermo and Rhina Carmona, $129,999.

140 Claudia Dr, Heather Burkett and Christopher Allen to Wilnique Etienne and Marie T. Gerard, $148,000.

444 Huntington Rd, Patricia M. Dowler to John Kydes, $270,000.

1135 Huntington Rd, John J. and Gloria L. Cybart to Wilfredo and Yolanda Vega, $262,000.

3325 Huntington Rd, Donald F. Wheeler to Galt Holdings LLC, $142,000.

23 Light St, Spinelli Pietro Est and Vincent Coppola to Bledar Culli, $220,000.

944 Longbrook Ave, FNMA to David J. Luna, $135,000.

652 North Trl Unit B, Marilyn Friedman to Sandra Lax RET and Sandra Lax, $260,000.

374 Piute Ln Unit B, Michael and Barbara Minoff to Barbara Dierolf, $356,000.

150 Riverview Pl, Susan C. Linsley to Kerry M. Gleason, $450,000.

32 White St, Norman Rancourt to Michael and Alicia Buyskes, $260,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

1700 Broadbridge Ave Unit C36, HSBC Bank USA NA Tr to Lizsandra Pena, $37,499.

7 Bullard Ct, Bayerle Anne Est and David R. Leiws to Leonard R. and Linda J. Donofrio, $21,500.

475 Commanche Ln Unit B, John P. Hovnanian to Theresa S. Kelso, $155,000.

Fernwood Dr Lot 8, Cannella Grace Est and Carmela Marachi to Marie and Stephen Pecylak, $274,000.

171 Franklin Ave, Janet Lemond and Elaine K. Mandrona to Fairfield County Props, $114,000.

20 Hitching Post Ln, Theresa Suslov to Henry Tran and Phuong Nguyen, $170,000.

125 Kenwood Ave, Cassandra Grisby to Alyson Agler, $257,500.

200 Light St, Paul Krasiejko and Onewest Bank FSB to James Jarusinaky, $157,000.

259 Mcgrath Ct, FNMA to Yuming Zhu, $49,200.

155 Meadowbrook Rd, Robert Lydiksen and Suzanne E. Vasil to Jillian and Christopher Ward, $185,500.

270 Meadowbrook Rd, National Res Nom Svcs to Edwin R. Quintana and Evelin Juliao, $256,000.

270 Meadowbrook Rd, Daniel Dobas to National Res Nom Svcs, $256,000.

90 Ross Dr, Anthony F. and Lisa A. Petrashka to Jeffrey and Alicia Romatzick, $345,000.

225 Shoshoni Ln Unit B, Timothy Morrissey to Dorothy M. and Charles D. Collison, $270,000.

131 Spruce St, Marie G. Swift to Elizabeth K. Casey, $345,000.

20 Vielie St, Jeffrey L. and Alicia M. Romatzick to Justin and Jessica Turner, $292,000.

Weatogue Hls Lot 33, Kalcar Corp to Cassandra Grisby, $345,000.

Residential real estate in Stratford had its “most robust year in the past five years,” according to Jerry Ward of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty on Main Street, with “solid” increases in unit sales, prices and the speed of selling properties.
Comparing full-year 2013 home sales statistics of the Stratford market to 2012, unit sales of single family homes increased 18%, from 390 to 459, prices increased 8% on average, and homes sold about two weeks faster.
The average price of a single-family home sold in 2013 was $233,784, and it took about four and one-half months to sell a home.
Condominium sales in Stratford also saw across-the-board improvement in 2013. Unit sales increased 15%, from 118 to 136. The average sale price was $168,818, up 13% from 2012, and condos sold in a little under five months, on average, which was about 12 days faster than in 2012.
The report of Stratford home sales was produced exclusively for The Stratford Star by Greater Fairfield County Consolidated MLS. [See charts with this article for details broken out by price range.]
The unit sales increases came despite decreases in sales at the low end of the single-family home and condo markets. Ward said, “Many short sales have been cleared from the market.” Condos under $100,000 and homes under $200,000 are virtually “gone from the market,” he said, adding, “We’ll see fewer and fewer in those categories.”
Ward pointed out that as prices and unit sales were rising in the past year, that attracted higher-priced homes to come on the market. The high end of the markets saw the largest percentage increases in unit sales.
Homes selling at $400,000 and higher also saw the largest decrease in the number of days on the market, selling two months faster, on average, in 2013 compared to 2012, further signifying strength in that segment.
Ward reported that inventory of homes on the market in Stratford in early January represented about four to five months of sales, which is larger inventory than the market had at the end of September, when there was about three to four months of supply on the market. Five to six months of supply in Stratford is what Ward calls a “balanced inventory,” where there is sufficient product to meet demand, and the leverage a buyer has is roughly equal to the leverage a seller has.
Stratford can “expect another good year in 2014, though the percentage increases may be a bit lower, because as the market gets larger the numbers become smaller” as a percentage, said Ward.
Relative to neighboring towns of Milford, Trumbull and Shelton, Ward said that Stratford had a stronger showing in 2013, but that is because Stratford was playing catch-up with the other towns, which had stronger turnaround years in 2012. Stratford’s 2012 was flat compared to 2011.

By Elizabeth G. Howard
Correspondent
One reason Lordship Improvement Association president Richard Diedrichsen is so dedicated to caring for and conserving the natural beauty of his neighborhood is simply memories.
“I remember, as a child, helping my dad repair these stairs when they were wooden,” he recalled, standing on the cement steps that leads to the eastern end of Russian Beach, at the foot of Laurel Street. “This whole area was my exploring grounds. When we were children, the parents told us kids, ‘You can go anywhere in Lordship, so long as you stay in Lordship.’”
But he knows memories won’t replace hard work in the here and now.
Preservation of the southernmost part of Stratford — along with financial development, beautification, education, and public relations — isn’t nostalgic for Diedrichsen and the Lordship Improvement Association (LIA) members.

Trustee of Bluffs
Lordship residents are bound together by a special burden — a trusteeship that requires the care and maintenance of roughly 10 acres called The Bluffs, a responsibility local residents have held since the area was gifted to them by developers in 1924.
The Bluffs project is just one of many on the slate for the “new” LIA, a group of affiliate homeowners who are more than a coffee klatsch. Other recent projects include a new gazebo and Little Lending Library at Ackley Park, a repainted and revitalized flagpole area, new curbing along Beach Drive, a partnership with the Eagle Scouts on birdhouses, a Green Sweep cleanup of the beach, new plantings in the lawn areas, plant inventories, and its most prominent, the use of hundreds of old Christmas trees to prevent sand dune erosion.
LIA’s new mission has two parts, Diedrichsen says. The first is to protect and conserve the trusteed acreage, and the second is “to improve the quality of life for all residents” by preserving, conserving and educating about the community and its natural features.
Lately, the LIA has been able to put more focus on the second part. This includes future plans for building beach paths accessible to the disabled, signs to identify plants, and guided nature walks, an effort led by LIA member and master gardener Christine Griffin.

Distinct separateness
It’s no secret that Lordship has a distinct separateness, in both geography and lifestyle, Diedrichsen says. Its center is 3.3 miles from the mayor’s desk, with only two main roads in and out. To live the Lordship life, one has to be willing to give up the convenience of being in striking distance from the train, Target or the post office.
For residents like Diedrichsen, Lordship is more than a recreational beach community. It is a passionate endeavor. Many families have lived inside its boundaries for decades. Children and grandchildren have left, and returned.
And all of Stratford, not to mention millions of annual migrating birds and other wildlife, benefit from its natural beauty.
After World War II, less than 10% of the current housing stock existed. The LIA was established out of practical needs — to get roads and service stations built.
“When it began, most people in Lordship were old-time Yankee families. The shoreline was not the attraction that it became later on,” Diedrichsen said. “They were very gentlemanly about everything. Someone would say, ‘We need stop sign here,’ and someone would quietly contact town government and ask for action. And it would happen.”
For years, former Town Manager Donald Sammis paid the taxes on The Bluffs property, according to Diedrichsen. In the 1930s, as taxes rose, he asked the area residents to contribute. His son, Bob Sammis, later became a trustee of the land. In 2009, at age 80, Bob Sammis left Lordship to be near his kids in Pennsylvania.
Leadership of the trust passed to the board of governors, led by Dennis Tomsheck, president, and Diedrichsen, associate president. When Diedrichsen retired from teaching English at Bunnell High School and had more time, he and Tomsheck swapped roles.

Visibility and taxes
Increased visibility and transparency is one of the main objectives of the new LIA mission. Currently there are 1,377 households in Lordship. With the new LIA, Diedrichsen says, they have increased membership by 30%, up to 240 households represented. Residents can become voting members for as little as $50 annually.
“There is a tendency to want things to stay the same. When we talked turkey with these folks,” he said, “they realized they don’t want to support it if they have to put a lot of money in. And we don’t want to spend more than they can afford.
The annual dues brings in approximately $15,000 a year, on average, according to Diedrichsen.
“We look to branch out to many more people for the right reason — to be visible, be transparent and be seen as approachable. We have worked hard at that.”
Although education and public awareness are becoming more important to the group, the association’s primary focus in the past few years has been land-based, and financial.
“It has mostly been parks and maintenance and working to eliminate tax burden,” said Diedrichsen.
This year, the tax burden relief goal was achieved. Attorney Robert Mitchell, member of the LIA, worked with Stratford’s town clerk to ensure tax relief was put in place after LIA burgess and Connecticut state Sen. Kevin Kelly established the LIA as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. This eliminated the residents’ annual tax bill on the Bluffs acreage, which was approximately $6,530 as estimated for The Star by the Stratford tax assessor’s office.
Now membership funds, along with grants that the group is pursuing from the Connecticut Urban Forestry Council and others, will go toward the second part of the LIA’s mission, including the estimated $30,000 bill for the four-year revitalization project of The Bluffs.
Eric Lubbell, who chairs the LIA publicity committee, is a new Lordship transplant, having lived there just four years. In the last year, he has created a Lordship brochure and website.
“My interest has been: Who are my neighbors? What interests do they have? What is the culture here? Is it more than an aging retirement area?” he said. “I do think there are some initiatives here that are fuller, that are trying to make it a richer place, where members would socialize and discuss how we can create a better community.”
He said he has observed that Lordship has its share of residents who seem reluctant to be too actively involved, and that as in any community, there is a mixture of interests.
“[There’s] a type of sensitivity, an awareness, that could be raised to where people could have impact on their immediate surroundings, such as planting the right types of plants to attract the indigenous fauna,” Lubbell said. “We don’t have as many birds as we once did because of invasive species. If people were more aware of individual action and how it can sustain a place, they could make more impact.
“Some are just concerned that people shouldn’t run red lights. You see people have vastly different concerns.”

Richard Diedrichsen, president of the Lordship Improvement Association, stands at the top of the old asphalt path near The Bluffs above Russian Beach, at the foot of Lordship Boulevard. The path — in the area to be called Kidd’s Bluff — will be replaced with a wheelchair path accessible for the disabled. Elizabeth G. Howard photo

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

310 Booth St Unit N, Mary Reitano and Tanya Dickervitz to Christopher Hamilton, $90,000.

284 Bruce Ave, Thoams J. Liberati to Heslyn Gordon, $189,000.

396 E Main St, Gerard J. Sack to An Noor Inatl Foundation, $300,000.

1330 Honeyspot Road Ext, Stratford Sportsplex LLC to Bruce Ave Assoc LLC, $2,503,000.

57 King St, Douglas A. and Robert E. Carne to Steven Kopf, $190,000.

Lordship Shrs Lot 58, Mark A. Hunyadi and Kimberly A. Hanrahan to Joyce Agius, $280,000.

25 Queens Ave, Michael and William Hritz to Sara Mesavage, $209,700.

60 Wiklund Ave, US Bank NA Tr to Francis Pena, $189,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

Country Club Cir Lot 16, Nancy P. Bluett to Justin Bisceglie and Kaitlin Becker, $249,000.

433 Crown St, Smith Elizabeth J Est and Judith S. Lundeen to Cani Real Estate Inv Grp, $180,000.

365 High View Dr, Daniel J. and Nikki L. Roberts to Javier and Richele V. Ortiz, $410,000.

126 Larkin Ct, Colette Hill to 3739 Tremont St LLC, $58,100.

126 Larkin Ct, 3739 Tremont St LLC to Yong and Bo H. Lin, $58,100.

24 Mount Pleasant Ave, Matthew D. Alpert to Bridget Southworth and Joseph Nuara, $210,000.

751 Pontiac Ln Unit B, Roslyn Miller to Jason Wojnarowski, $162,000.

47 Priscilla Ln, ATFH Real Property LLC and Olegs Volincuks to Olegs Volincuks, $69,500.

49 Priscilla Ln, ATFH Real Property LLC and Olegs Volincuks to Olegs Volincuks, $69,500.

95 Red Bird Dr, Golias David A Est and William J. Kosa to Sell Fast Home Buyers LLC, $75,000.

95 Red Bird Dr, Linda G. French to Sell Fast Home Buyers LLC, $37,500.

53 Reitter St, Malinowski Renislaw Est and Ewa Malinowska to Charles P. Winter, $165,000.

147 Ryan Ave, Bank Of New York to Andy Pan, $67,100.

149 Ryan Ave, Hassan Agha to Andy Pan, $65,100.

389 Sequoia Ln Unit B, Debra Eccles to John Dukes, $324,000.

150 5th Ave, Barbara Coppola to Blueberry Farm Developers, $160,000.

64 Barnum Ter, Paul and Lori Wilkinson to Yvellise Valentin, $118,000.

80 Bowe Ave, Vincent Chazhoor to Elizabeth M. Skene, $242,000.

1700 Broadbridge Ave Unit B25, Robert A. Kenney to Redouane Elmaataoui, $53,000.

188 Burbank Ave, Richard and Jonathan P. Windt to Patricia Haines, $235,000.

395 Cannon Dr, Michael R. and Nancy F. Pinkosky to Robert Yazdzik, $230,000.

116 Elliott St, USA HUD to Vincent Lombardo, $151,000.

1755 North Ave, Bank New York Mellon Tr to Gregory and Katerine Dionne, $180,000.

431 North Trl Unit B, Arbisi Jane Est and Anthony Arbisi to Deborah C. Jackson, $260,000.

573 North Trl Unit A, Dorothy S. Cotton to Timothy Morrissey, $130,000.

66 River Bend Rd Unit D, US Bank NA Tr to Marlitz LLC, $138,000.

295 Rockland Ave, Viola L. Warrington to Amy Ciccaglione, $209,000.

786 Success Ave, FHLM to Bruno R. Ribeiro, $28,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

Cameo Park Lot 11, Ronald Christiano to Michael and Janet Christiano, $150,000.

103 Fiddler Green Rd Unit D, Mary A. Franz and Carol Keogh to Shannon Maloney, $200,500.

107 Fiddler Green Rd Unit D, Carlo Guerrera and Lyndsay Ferro to Dimitri and Silye Kazan, $155,000.

323 Greenfield Ave, Farkas Patricia A Est and Onewest Bank FSB to Onewest Bank FSB, $172,000.

15 Hawley Gln Unit 15, Anton and Inna Glenbovitch to Mary A. Franz and Carol Keogh, $230,000.

307 Hickory Woods Ln Unit 307, Ruth Auroroa T and Patrick Aurora to Cemocan Yesil, $195,000.

100 Marcus Dr, Denise L. Sullivan to Jonathan Merriam and Christina Tombetta, $378,000.

52 Roosevelt Ave, Beneficial Financial 1 to Double Diamond Properties, $76,000.

116 Washington Pkwy, Walker Gilbert C Est and Gilbert Walker to Kurt J. Takacs, $220,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

181 2nd Ave, William S. Curran to Jason J. Martin, $205,000.

634 Columbus Ave, USA HUD to Robert E. and Taneesha T. Powell, $50,000.

200 Ferry Blvd, Jay Ambay LLC to VRP LLC, $300,000.

11 Karen Ave, Joseph A. Abbati and Eugene T. Oneill to Philip J. and Melody Pacelli, $203,000.

1175 Nichols Ave, Francis J. Moriarty to Minerva Delgado and Ludin B. Colon, $170,000.

17 Rose St, Household Realty Corp to Freda O. Boateng, $185,000.

1066 Stratford Ave, Mark R. Ballaro to Houng T. Nguyen, $180,000.

102 Winfield Dr, Irene Osowski to Garfield D. and Sandra Richards, $175,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

46 Alvord St, Joel A. and Jamie L. Grant to Benjamin B. Clark, $285,000.

153 Apache Ln Unit A, Marie Heady and Onewest Bank FSB to Onewest Bank FSB, $155,000.

25 Boswell St, Mieczkowski Helen Est and Michael J. Bell to Michael J. Bell, $167,000.

134 Dewey St, Morequity Inc to Mohammed D. Uddin, $52,500.

30 Fallon Dr, Property Renovations LLC to Jonathan P. and Ashley S. Diorio, $254,500.

200 Flagler Ave, Maria Plesz to Adrienne Voytak, $225,000.

186 Glenwood Ave, Property Renovations LLC to Tara A. Poitras, $297,000.

395 High View Dr, Roberta K. Peck to Raymond H. Lyn, $392,000.

707 Light St, Jennifer Knapp to J&D Dinan LT and James J. Dinan, $114,000.

29 Miranda Ln Unit 29, Joan A. Dwyer to Giovanni Harrell, $155,000.

572 North Trl Unit A, Peri H. Swaniger and Irma Hoffner to Ralph T. Sundry, $210,000.

12 Ward St, Margaret Munigle-Kunsch and Jean M. Einig to Steven R. White, $200,000.

The conveyance of a 2.4-acre parcel of land on Ryder’s Lane slated for use as the future Stratford dog park has been denied by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

According to Rep. Laura Hoydick (R-120), the land is owned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. The town requested conveyance last year, and the legislation to convey the land was passed in June. However, other state and federal agencies with vested interest were allowed to review the conveyance. Hoydick said the U.S. DOT did not contact her about its denial until last week.

“So, even though [the U.S. DOT] never owned that parcel of land, because it is located along an interstate corridor, the Federal Highway Administration has the right to review ConnDOT’s right-of-way,” Hoydick said. “The land is supposed to stay with the ConnDOT in case they [the U.S. DOT] need it.”

Hoydick said that “if you told me eight months ago that we would still be working on this, I’d have laughed.”

The Stratford Dog Park Association (SDPA), led by former Stratford residents Carissa and Matt DeBernardo, has spent more than three years and thousands of hours raising funds to build a dog park in Stratford. As reported in The Star in February, the volunteer group has raised $17,000 to build the park. Nearly 40% of the funds raised — $7,000 — are in the form of a Petco grant that will expire in early April.

“We could probably apply for an extension,” said Carissa DeBernardo, president of the SDPA. “We have done everything we can but we have to provide photographic proof that building has started. We don’t want to be liable for this money if this is not going to happen.”

Marc Dillon, chief of staff for Mayor John Harkins, said their office also was informed of the denial last week. He said the mayor’s office continues to “be in talks” with the ConnDOT to work out an arrangement for use of the land that works for both the DOT and town.

“We thought it was a done deal,” Dillon said. “As far as we were concerned, we had accomplished what we set out to do, which was to acquire a piece of land for the dog park.”

Dillon said the mayor has referred SDPA back to the Parks and Recreation department to try again and locate a parcel of land for its use.
The DeBernardos expressed frustration over the long-delayed project that they consider a labor of love.

“[The town is] showing the taxpayers, who want this park — one that is funded by donations — that they can’t get their act together,” said Matt DeBernardo, SDPA vice president. “Talk about mismanagement. If the DOT wants to stonewall us, then why don’t they [the town] have a plan B? It is clearly low priority.”

Hoydick said that because of the land’s proximity to the Merritt Parkway, it’s possible that other outside groups could be influencing the land’s use. She said she is also working with private landowners to find land that could be leased, though she said this is not the ideal option since any installed infrastructure would have to be removed once the lease ended.

“They need to find a location and push it through,” said Carissa DeBernardo. “We still feel that Roosevelt Forest is still the best option, but we don’t have the ability to choose at this point. We have been asked to be included, but that was when we had a location. Now that we have no location, why are we meeting with the town?”

This parcel of land off of Ryders Lane was denied by US DOT due to its proximity to Merritt Pkwy. Greg Reilly photo.

The Connecticut state legislature’s Planning and Development Committee voted on March 12 in favor of establishing a special taxing district for the Stratford Army Engine Plant property between Main Street and the Housatonic River.

The approval came after Sen. Kevin Kelly (R-21) and State Rep. Terry Backer (D-21) testified before the committee in favor of HB 5368, An Act Establishing the Point Stratford Infrastructure Improvement district within the Town of Stratford. Mayor John Harkins submitted written testimony in support of the special taxing district law.

The bill, sponsored Rep. Laura Hoydick (R-120), Rep. Lawrence Miller (R-122), Rep. Noreen Kokoruda (R-101), Backer and Kelly, is now being reviewed by the legislative commissioner’s office. It is expected to be sent to the state House of Representatives, where leadership will establish if the bill needs approval from any other committees before the full House can take a vote, according to Kelly’s press secretary Nicole Rall. The bill must get final action before midnight on May 7, Rall said.

What the district would do
According to Harkins’ testimony, “This bill would allow for the creation of an infrastructure improvement district … to help facilitate the construction of public infrastructure improvements, and allow for the district to issue bonds in an effort to help finance a successful redevelopment of the current Stratford Army Engine Plant (SAEP) brownfield site.

“The Act establishes the district for the enumerated purposes including to extinguish fires, light streets, plan, layout, acquire, construct, maintain, and finance roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, drainage systems, sewers and sewage treatment facilities, environmental remediation, and other infrastructure improvements, among other purposes.

“In order to finance the aforementioned infrastructure improvements for the development of the site, the Act authorizes the district to levy taxes and issue bonds, notes or other obligations. These bonds are not considered debt of the State of Connecticut or the Town of Stratford, and are either backed by the full faith and credit of the district or by district fees, revenues or benefit assessments.

“Additionally,” Harkins wrote, “prior to the issuance of any bond, the district must enter into an interlocal agreement with the Town of Stratford approved by the town council. Any bonds issued by the district will be paid for by property taxes from the project collected through the district’s power to assess, levy and collect taxes and benefit assessments upon the land and buildings that are located solely within the district.”

Point Stratford Renewal, the developer that has an agreement to purchase the engine plant property from the U.S. Army, was asked if the formation of the special district was necessary for their deal with the Army to close or if they had any alternative plans. Attorney for PSR John Stafstrom, responded, “Extensive and costly public infrastructure improvements need to be constructed to support private development. The Town is convinced that the legislature will approve special legislation as they have for numerous other municipalities.”

The pending district legislation provides for the district to have the power to tax property owners within the district. The town also would have that authority. According to Stafstrom, “The town will tax all property in district. Under the proposal, the town will agree to split incremental real property taxes with the district to finance bonds to construct the public infrastructure.”

Any new property taxes from owners within the district would only be generated if the infrastructure project gets completed, according to Stafstrom.

Regarding any agreement between the town and the district, Stafstrom said that an “Interlocal agreements must be approved by the Town Council (and) would govern (the) split of incremental real property taxes between the town and the district, the amount of bonds to be issued, public infrastructure to be built with bond proceeds, requirements for ownership and maintaining public improvements.”

Stratford Chief Administrative Officer Steve Nocera confirmed that any bonds for the district’s infrastructure would be issued and paid only by district. The district would need first to gain the consent of the town in the inter-local agreement and also would review bonds issued by the district.

Officials’ expectations
In support of the establishment of an improvement district, Backer testified, “This bill will provide the incentive for the developers to jump start the economy in the south end of Stratford and provide much-needed jobs and tax revenue for Stratford residents.”

Said Kelly, “H.B. No. 5368 is the first step in launching an expansive project to breathe life into the community, create new jobs and provide much needed tax revenue for the people of Stratford. Legislation to create the Point Stratford tax district will give Stratford the tools we need to seek appropriate financing for significant infrastructure development.

“We envision an entirely new mixed use revitalization project,” said Kelly, “including space for both commercial and residential development. Restaurants, shops, offices and new homes will rejuvenate a transformed waterfront.”

Harkins’ testimony also said, “The project will include up to 1,500 units of housing and apartments, and up to 500,000 square feet of retail outlets, office, hotel space, and greenway — to name a few of the redeveloped site’s uses. The developer is committed to environmental remediation of the land, as well as incorporating green technologies, thereby improving the ecologically sensitive riverfront environment.”

“To reach the full potential of the site,” Harkins wrote, “the development project will need to be implemented and funded. H.B. No. 5368 provides the essential financing needed to bring this project to fruition.”
If passed, the bill would take effect in July of this year.

State legislators are pushing for the creation of special tax district to support the infrastruture development at the 78-acre Stratford Army Engine Plant, so that further multi-use development of the property can follow. The aerial view of the property has Point Stratford Renewal’s overlay of a rough master plan. Point Stratford Renewal LLC

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

35 Bullard Ct, Flagpole Holdings LLC to Robert N. and Judith A. Delorenzo, $46,500.

330 Carol Rd, Loretta J. Pjura to Alishan Nomani, $196,000.

617 Cherokee Ln Unit B, Moriber Joyce Est and Nancy A. Moriber to Lawrence I. and Barbara Brown, $249,900.

97 Ferndale Ave, Alexandra Vuolo and Judith Dapolito to Alexandra Vuolo, $20,000.

45 Garibaldi Ave, Garvin Eva M Est and Kenneth Garvin to Artur Wyluda, $175,000.

45 Garibaldi Ave, Garvin Eva M Est and Kenneth Garvin to Artur Wyluda, $175,000.

81 High Park Ave, HSBC Bank USA NA Tr to Ophir Sahar and Amiel D. Dorel, $115,000.

73 Highland Ter, Kevin and Cara Tietjen to Julie R. Beck, $296,000.

73 Highland Ter, Peake Chester A Est and Johanna S. Malinowski to Kevin and Cara Tietjen, $250,000.

1348 Hillside Ave, Josephine Salerno to Petru D. and Camelia C. Micu, $160,000.

285 Hollywood Ave, Christine Allen and Edward Bryne to Paul D. Swanson, $308,000.

30 Lambert Dr, Jason A. and Kimberly K. Novey to Patrick Mucherino and Ana Rainey, $230,100.

25 Lindsley Pl, FHLM to Abbey M. Williams, $138,000.

Lyric Park Lot 5, John Rizzo to Mathew and Stephanie Wajda, $247,000.

877 Nichols Ave, Stephen J. and Elisabeth M. Lein to Thomas B. Kocher and Valerie D. Weisser, $265,000.

250 Nutmeg Ln, James Quill to Baker Residential Of CT, $900,000.

922 Stratford Ave, Soto Development Group to Precious E. Taylor, $250,000.

43 Wiklund Ave, Perri A. Mucci and Paula B. Davidson to Joseph and Barbara Gaetano, $115,000.

43 Wiklund Ave, Perri A. Mucci and Paula B. Davidson to Joseph and Barbara Gaetano, $115,000.

189 Wilbrook Rd, Mursick Anne H Est and Margaret J. Delaney to Karen M. and James J. Giammattei, $295,000.

The following property transfers are copyrighted material previously published in the Commercial Record, a weekly trade paper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group, thewarrengroup.com.

1348 Hillside Ave, Josephine Salerno to Petru D. and Camelia C. Micu, $160,000.

285 Hollywood Ave, Christine Allen and Edward Bryne to Paul D. Swanson, $308,000.

30 Lambert Dr, Jason A. and Kimberly K. Novey to Patrick Mucherino and Ana Rainey, $230,100.

25 Lindsley Pl, FHLM to Abbey M. Williams, $138,000.

Lyric Park Lot 5, John Rizzo to Mathew and Stephanie Wajda, $247,000.

877 Nichols Ave, Stephen J. and Elisabeth M. Lein to Thomas B. Kocher and Valerie D. Weisser, $265,000.

250 Nutmeg Ln, James Quill to Baker Residential Of CT, $900,000.

922 Stratford Ave, Soto Development Group to Precious E. Taylor, $250,000.

43 Wiklund Ave, Perri A. Mucci and Paula B. Davidson to Joseph and Barbara Gaetano, $115,000.

43 Wiklund Ave, Perri A. Mucci and Paula B. Davidson to Joseph and Barbara Gaetano, $115,000.

189 Wilbrook Rd, Mursick Anne H Est and Margaret J. Delaney to Karen M. and James J. Giammattei, $295,000.

134 Bannock Ln Unit A, Rotondi Joan Est and Stephen Rotondi to Janet Kusick, $195,000.

310 Booth St Unit Q, Kathryn Havelick to Nicholas Desabella, $78,000.

465 Brinsmayd Ave, Eliana K. Nassra to George Nassra, $390,000.

1700 Broadbridge Ave Unit A32, Josephine E. Battinelli to Muhammad Hanif and Nabeela Butt, $56,000.

93 Chanbrook Rd, George K. Dono to Brian and Jenna Kearney, $240,000.

471 Commanche Ln Unit A, Matheson Jane Est and Cynthia M. Naramore to Edward F. Dacey, $162,500.

45 Dahl Ave, Bank Of New York to Ryan and Carrie Everetts, $150,700.

31 Hawley Gln Unit 31, Guevin Virginia M Est and Elizabeth G. Maher to Eliana Kouchary, $170,000.

200 Hollywood Ave, Georgia Smith to Richard G. Mccrea, $100,000.

118 Housatonic Ave, Harry D. and Martha Mautte to Kevin and Cara Tietjen, $340,000.

94 Kenyon St, J&B Property LLC to Alex and Alicia Rivera, $285,000.

119 Quail St, Cathy Vizzo to Patrick Strickland, $222,400.

354 Stratford Rd, Jordana Frank A Est and Samuel S. Pagano to Kathryn and Jeremy Silver, $300,000.